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By the way, if it's not a closely guarded secret, could you please give us some insight about how Kawai makes it's decision about product development? Are you doing marketing research to test new ideas?

I'm very keen for Kawai to be more open and transparent about various aspects of the company (including the research and development of its instruments), and I certainly appreciate the interest from yourself and other PW regulars about future Kawai instruments. However, I'm afraid I don't believe it would be terribly appropriate to discuss this topic on a public forum - I hope you can understand that.

Originally Posted By: Csillag

Would it help if you someone quickly collected hundreds of subscriptions encouraging Kawai to produce a AWA-PRO-II / RM3 based midi controller?

It would be interesting, yes. However, I would encourage you to spend your time on other pursuits, such as playing your new CN23.

I believe a successful company is one that listens closely to its consumers. However, for one reason or another, it's not always possible to deliver exactly what folks are looking for all the time.

I'm very keen for Kawai to be more open and transparent about various aspects of the company (including the research and development of its instruments), and I certainly appreciate the interest from yourself and other PW regulars about future Kawai instruments. However, I'm afraid I don't believe it would be terribly appropriate to discuss this topic on a public forum - I hope you can understand that.

However, I would encourage you to spend your time on other pursuits, such as playing your new CN23.

Don't worry, James, I try to find the time play it (I plan to post some recordings soon.)

However

a) that's something I can't do while I am at work (unlike stalking PW forums), and

b) I have already arranged an update (CN-23 -> CN-33) with my local dealer back in November, but they still could not ship it - that's why I am still keeping an eye on new Kawai products. (Who knows, I might find something I like better.)

Thank you everyone! I see positive points to both instruments. Unfortunately my budget is low enough that anytime I think of buying the CN33, I freak out and tell myself, "You cannot afford a $2000+ instrument!"

I haven't been able to find a store with a CE220 to try out yet. My local Kawai store in Long Island (Frank and Camille's) still has the CE200 and isn't sure when they will be getting the CE220 in stock. Since my old Clavinova 300 is turning 25 years old this year, I had wanted to get a new digital piano. I had liked the keyboard action on the CE200 but wasn't impressed with the sound. I had been leaning towards the Yamaha YDP-181, which has decent key action and a good sound (and in my under $2,000 price range), but I really want to wait to try out the CE220. Hopefully they'll be in stores soon. Does anyone know if they will only be in Kawai piano stores? My local Sam Ash used to stock the CE200, but they don't have either the CE200 or the CE220 at this point. Thanks.

Thanks, Kawai James and gvfarns. I believe that either the YPD-181 or CE220 will be significant steps up from the original Clavinova that I have used all these years - both in the actions and in the sounds !

Interesting. What I meant is that it has the same basic character (i.e., a Kawai EX piano in the anechoic chamber and the sonic signature of harmonic imaging). Just a newer, improved version (apparently of both the recording session and the technology).

Thanks for giving us the information about the recording sessions. Interesting indeed!

NatFL, yes, the CE220 and CN33 are quite similar. I definitely prefer the cabinet design of the CN33 over the CE220, however in terms of specifications, the wooden key action is arguably the winner.

Cheers,Jamesx

Okay, I've looked at detailed pictures of both and I can't really see a difference between the two cabinet designs. The display area looks a little more bulky to me on the CE220. Is this what you mean? P.S. Thanks for all the information you've shared about both models!

I've ordered a CE220 at the beginning of the month. I was expecting it this week, but I've heard back from my dealer that it will be delay a couple more weeks. Given the delay I am offered the chance to cancel the order.

Meanwhile I found on craigslist an used MP10 for $1500. MP10 is certainly going to be improvement, all I need is to get a stand and some speakers. Any suggestions on what speakers would go with it?

I do have a home theater amp connected to a pair of B&W Matrix 8.1, perhaps I could just hook them up.

Has anyone picked up a CE220 yet? I'm anxious to see some pictures of it and read reviews. I'm seriously considering this model. After getting reacquainted with piano during a visit to my family's place this weekend, I am *itching* to finally make my DP purchase! :-)

I am also very anxiously waiting for the CE220 to be available to try it out. I had previously tried out the CE200 and liked the action, but wasn't too impressed with the sound. As I am looking in the $1500-$2000 max. range, I have also included on my "short" list the Yamaha YDP-181 and the Roland RP-301. When I recently tried out the latter, I was actually surprised by how much I liked the "ivory-feel" touch and the piano sounds. As a classically-trained pianist, I am most interested in good piano action and sound, not needing other bells and whistles. My local Kawai dealer wasn't quite sure how soon the CE-220 was going to be coming in, and at my local Sam Ash store, which had previously stocked the CE200, the salesperson I had spoken with had not even heard about the CE220. Hope it's here soon!